When it comes to safeguarding your home or business, being aware of potential hazards is the first step to preventing them. Hazards can happen unexpectedly. In fact, some of the most common hazards include (but are not limited to) unpredictable natural events such as fire, flood and storm.
So, to help you protect your home, business, contents, loved ones, and yourself, here are six tips that may help you in mitigating the possible risks of hazards.
Unclean and clogged gutters can cause multiple problems. Having clean gutters and downpipes can help keep your home and business safer in a winter storm or a summer fire.
During hot and dry weather, the debris in gutters can act as kindling for a fire. Dried twigs and leaves only require a small spark to ignite – especially when the weather is extremely dry and hot. On the other hand, in wet weather, if gutters and downpipes are not clear, rainwater may have nowhere to go, particularly if leaves and debris get clogged in gutters during a storm. If water overflows from gutters, it has the potential to cause damage to your roof and the inside of your home or business.
Smoke alarms help alert you to potential fires and are mandatory in homes and businesses in many states across Australia. However, over time, due to a build-up of dust, electrical corrosion, insects and airborne contaminants, smoke alarms may stop working properly. It’s important to pay attention to your smoke alarm and check and change the batteries as directed. The Country Fire Association recommends replacing smoke alarms around every 10 years – as they don’t last forever.
An RCD is designed to protect from electric shock. It may also provide protection against electrical fires. SafeWork NSW states that injuries and fatalities in the workplace can be prevented using properly installed and maintained RCDs. So if you don’t already have one fitted, consider getting one installed by a professional.
An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outlines what you need to do in case of an emergency. It should cover how to respond to an emergency event, what to do to evacuate and retreat to a safer area and how to notify emergency services and/or get medical assistance (among other things). The objective of emergency planning is to be as best prepared as you can to help prevent the possible risk of injuries and fatalities in an emergency situation.
Always encourage your staff to practice safe working habits. Promoting workplace safety is an ongoing process, and unfortunately accidents and injuries can happen. To check what you are covered for under your policy with WFI, you can contact us on the number below.
By being aware of potential hazards and preparing for them before they happen, you can help protect you and your property.
To find out more about protecting the things you care about with a WFI insurance policy, call WFI on 1300 934 934 or find your Local Area Manager here.
This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available from the product issuer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI.